Koo Wee Rup Men's Shed and Community Garden Tour

A Men’s Shed is a safe and friendly place where men of all ages can connect with community and meet new people. The relaxed and informal environment enables members to learn and share skills and work on meaningful projects including car restorations, toy making, cooking, computer skills, or to simply enjoy a coffee and company. The Men’s Shed provides an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.

The community garden enables people to come together to plant, grow, and harvest fresh produce. This community group also holds workshops and outings throughout the year. In addition to the vegetable gardens, the community garden includes an igloo for plant propagation, an indigenous plant area, a children’s garden, a sensory garden bed, chicken shed, rabbit enclosure and an orchard.

A tour is available to interested people on Tuesday 10 October 2017 departing Melbourne's CBD

Cost is AUD $35.00 per person and will include a tour of the facilities and afternoon tea.

PROGRAM:

1.00pm Bus departs CBD

2.30pm Arrive at Koo Wee Rup - Tour of Men's Shed

3.30pm Afternoon Tea

4.00pm Bus departs Koo Wee Rup

6.00pm Return to CBD

Friday 13 October 2017

'Sensory Me' Garden, Kilmore

In 2014 the 'Sensory Me' program was developed for the residents of the Caladenia Nursing Home. The program recognises the importance of sensory experiences and aims to respond to the special memories and dreams of each individual resident. The development of the Sensory Garden was supported by a $10,000 grant from the Maggie Beer Foundation Wellbeing Gardens Program and now forms an important component of the Sensory Me program. The garden which was formally opened in August 2016 offers ongoing opportunities for everyone to enjoy sensory experiences whether they choose to plant and water vegetables in the garden boxes; pick the fruits and produce; or simply enjoy the smells and sights. The garden has been designed around a farm scene to represent the local area and the life endeavours of many residents.

A site visit to provide an overview of the design, planning and making of the garden and the anticipated outcomes for residents will be offered to those interested. Please email your expression of interest in this activity to asia@latrobe.edu.au .

OTHER TOURS

Below are some resources and suggestions for other tours and activities to undertake during your visit to Melbourne...

The Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens

The Melbourne Zoo is 4 kms north of the CBD, set on 55 acres (22 hectares) and is home to over 5000 Australian and exotic animals, comprising of around 320 species. Many of the animals are organised into bioclimatic zones throughout the zoo. Areas of the zoo include the Trails of the Elephants and adjoining Asian rainforest, African rainforest, Orangutan Sanctuary, Treetop apes and monkeys, Lion Gorge, Wild Sea, Reptile House, Australian Outback, a green-house style walk-through Butterfly House, and the Great Flight Avery- a free-flight aviary walkway through 3 bioregions: rainforest, wet lands, and bushlands.

Visit the website for information about opening hours, ticket prices, what's on and how to get there.

Yarra Valley Wineries

The Yarra Valley is located an hour's drive from Melbourne's CBD. Take a day to visit the rolling green hills, vineyards and old farmhouses. Tour the vineyards of some of Australia's best wine makers and take the opportunity to sample the different cellars wines. The Yarra Valley hosts some of Victoria's most sought after dining destinations. The Yarra Valley is also home to the stunning Tarrawarra Museum of Art which exhibits modern art and has a great selection of local artisan products in their retail nook.

Visit the website for information about tours, ticket prices, events, accommodation and how to get there.

Melbourne Laneways

Discover the bustling, colourful city laneways. Take a walk down the laneways and find walls covered in ever changing street art. Gawk at the murals, stencil art and sculptures. Shop in covert boutiques, stop for a coffee in hole-in-the-wall cafes, drink in one of the quirky bars or dine in one of the famous laneway restaurants.

Visit the website for further information on what to see and how to get there.

Phillip Island and the Penguin Parade

Phillip Island is located 2 hours from Melbourne and makes the perfect day trip to see some of Victoria's magnificent wildlife. Drop in on the Koala Conversation Center to observe koalas in their native tree-top habitat. Visit the beaches to watch the fur seals play at Seal Rock and marvel at some of the spectacular coastal scenery. Learn to shear sheep and sample the local produce at a 100-year-old working heritage farm on the island. Then cap the day off by visiting the world famous penguin parade. Visit the interactive and educational visitor center. And, as dusk sets in, watch fairy penguins emerge from the sea and return to their barrows. Phillip Island tours are especially kid-friendly and suitable for nature lovers of all ages.

Visit the website for information about tours, prices, events, accommodation and how to get there.